Steve Bruce is hopeful that Miguel Almiron can now push on – after getting his first assist at Newcastle United.

Almiron, making his 24 appearance for the club, set up Jetro Willems’ strike in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City at St James's Park.

The 25-year-old, signed from Atlanta United in January for £21million, is still looking for his first goal.

However, Bruce – who resisted calls for him to drop Almiron – is backing the Paraguay international to again “light up” St James's Park.

placeholder image — Miguel Almiron. | Getty Images

“You’ve seen him more than me,” said head coach Bruce. “He’s played his 14th game for me. At a difficult time last year, my mates told me he lit up the place. I think the crowd are with him. You can feel the crowd is as anxious as he is when he gets in front of goal. I've got no problems with him as a player. He's a wonderful player.”